September 2023

Diabetic foot ulcers are common among those with diabetes, requiring vigilant wound care to prevent complications and promote healing. These ulcers often develop due to reduced blood circulation and nerve damage in the feet, making them slower to heal and more susceptible to infection. The key to managing diabetic foot ulcers lies in meticulous care. This can begin by keeping the wound clean to prevent infections. Regularly change dressings and use prescribed topical antibiotics if necessary. Removing pressure from the affected foot and using special footwear may help to redistribute weight. Monitor blood sugar levels because high glucose levels can impede the healing process. Consulting a podiatrist is essential for proper wound assessment and care. They may recommend advanced wound dressings, debridement, or surgical interventions if the ulcer is severe. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help manage this condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Neuropathy in the feet is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, leading to a range of distressing symptoms. These can include numbness, tingling, and burning sensations, in addition to sharp pains in the feet. The causes of neuropathy in the feet are diverse, with diabetes being a leading factor. Other potential triggers include alcohol abuse, certain medications, and infections. Additionally, autoimmune diseases and traumatic injuries can contribute to developing neuropathy. Early detection is important, as untreated neuropathy can lead to severe complications, such as foot ulcers. Effective treatment approaches depend on the underlying cause. Managing blood sugar levels and lifestyle modifications are essential for reducing the effects of diabetic neuropathy. Medication, such as pain relievers, may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. Early intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan can help manage neuropathy, improving the quality of life for those affected. If you are affected by foot neuropathy, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and treatment options. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe are related toe deformities that affect the small toes, impacting walking and balance. These deformities result when the pressure on the toes exceeds their joint strength, often due to weak joints, muscle imbalances, or tissue weakness in the lower part of the toe joint. Claw toe involves upward bending of the toe joint at the ball of the foot, with the middle and sometimes end joint curving downward, resembling a claw. It can affect any toes except the big toe. With hammertoe, the toe bends at the middle joint, creating a curled appearance. Hammertoe most commonly affects the second toe, and it often coexists with bunions. Mallet toe is similar to hammertoe but involves the last joint rather than the knuckle joint, resulting in a mallet-like appearance at the end of the toe. Causes of these conditions include wearing ill fitting shoes, high arches, and genetics. Additionally, arthritis, diabetes, tendon imbalances, and neurological conditions can be a cause of developing hammertoe. Treatment options range from padding, orthotic devices, and wearing proper footwear to surgical interventions, including tendon release, joint adjustments, and bone modifications. Surgery is considered when non-operative methods fail to alleviate pain or correct the deformity. If you have toe problems or pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment right for you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM of Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Custom foot orthotics are designed to meet unique structural and biomechanical needs, but they often require a break-in period. This means getting used to them gradually. The adjustment period varies for each person as your body has adapted to moving a certain way over the years. When you first wear them, custom orthotics might feel unusual, like standing on a hard ball with pressure on your arches. Some may feel great right away, like walking on clouds. However, it is crucial to break them in properly. Some tips to get used to orthotics include starting off slowly and wearing them for a few hours at first and then increasing wear time by one or two hours daily over a week. Other tips include reducing wear time if you experience discomfort, wearing them in shoes with the appropriate width and depth, and waiting until they are entirely broken in before engaging in physical activity. Adjustments can possibly be made if discomfort persists. If you are interested in learning more about whether you are a good candidate for orthotics and how to adjust to them, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss this option.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.